The once-thriving tourism sector of Azad Kashmir is experiencing a significant downturn due to continuous protests led by the Awami Action Committee.
These demonstrations, coupled with shutter-down strikes and wheel jam protests, have created a climate of panic among tourists, leading to deserted guest houses and a sharp decline in visitors.
Hotel owners and tour operators have voiced their concerns, highlighting the severe impact on the local economy. "A few days of strike have set Azad Kashmir's tourism back by several years," said a representative from the meteorite tourism industry.
This sentiment is echoed by many in the sector who fear that the region, which had finally seen tourism flourish after years of effort, is now facing an unprecedented setback.
Tour operators are particularly distressed, noting that the constant unrest is driving tourists away. "Kashmir is a peaceful tourist region; daily protests and strikes should be banned here," urged a local tour operator.
Videos of the protests circulating on social media are exacerbating the situation, deterring potential visitors and tarnishing Azad Kashmir's image as a serene destination.
The broader impact on the community is also concerning. "It took a long time for tourism in Azad Kashmir to reach its peak, but a strike has set us back many years," lamented another tour operator.
The peaceful citizens of Azad Kashmir are growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing disruptions, calling for an end to the protests to restore normalcy and revive the struggling tourism industry.
